Catering for the next generation

Spokesman Rudiger Staats says: “Port construction, operation and maintenance are all technically demanding areas. The success of the company therefore depends to a great extent on the skills and competence of our employees. Our personnel development policy is aimed at preserving professional expertise and ensuring the transfer of know-how to the next generation.”

All bremenports employees have access to diverse vocational qualification options and an annual training plan is drawn up at each individual department in consultation with department staff, says Mr Staats. “These plans are geared to the latest developments in the port management business and the needs of the employees concerned.”

As well as a large number of advanced technical courses, the range of vocational training available includes various management qualifications for executives, and also courses designed to develop personal and social skills.

As a company owned by the City of Bremen, bremenports has access to the vocational qualifications provided by AFZ, the institute which provides education, training and consulting for Bremen’s administrative sector.

Other specialist training courses are provided by external providers – accounting for about 50% of the overall education and training costs.

Recognising that all executives play a key role in the success of bremenports, including in terms of staff motivation and leadership, the company decided in 2011 to introduce one standardised, systematic concept for executive development, designed to meet its requirements.

“The concept is aimed at promoting high potentials and also includes a cross-mentoring programme for junior management employees. This training sector accounts for approximately 30% of the budget,” says Mr Staats.